Valium, one of the brand names for diazepam, is a member of the benzoziazepine class of drugs commonly prescribed for anxiety relief, muscle relaxing to stop convulsions or sedative needs according to Net Doctor. It is available in pills of 2, 5 or 10 mg as well as injections and requires a doctor's prescription. Net Doctor notes that it is recommended for short-term treatments as Valium carries a number of long-term effects.
Addiction
Net Doctor notes that the effects of Valium can become addictive. Valium affects neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause users to crave the sensation. The "high" from Valium can last for several hours and sometimes into the next day after a dose, notes Drugs.com, pointing out that the half life for Valium in the body can last 48 hours. Increased tolerance to the medication, an insistence on having more past clinical need and the arrival of withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, depression or tremors can signal Valium addiction according to Drugs.com.
Psychological Dependence
Drugs.com notes that over time, individuals may become psychologically dependent on Valium for the maintenance of their mood state. Net Doctor reports that individuals with existing mental health challenges such as personality disorders or depression are particularly vulnerable to psychological dependence as Valium can impact the way the mind adjusts to life events.
Increase in Aggression
Valium can cause changes in moods and behavior over time. One long-term behavioral effect to watch for includes an increase in aggression or aggressive behaviors, states Net Doctor. Drugs.com notes that irritation and rage may be associated with a psychiatric reaction to the drug, and that this proves more likely to occur in very young or very old patients.
Amnesia
One effect of long-term use of Valium includes amnesia. Drugs.com notes that this effect can show up during regular therapeutic use of the medication, and that risk levels increase with dosage sizes. This condition is known as "antegrade amnesia."
Need for Therapeutic Tapering
A final long-term effect of Valium includes the need for therapeutic tapering to quit the drug. Once the body has become accustomed to the medication, withdrawal symptoms and rebound anxiety attacks may occur according to Drugs.com. Net Doctor reports that quitting a Valium course should occur gradually and with the help of a monitoring physician.
